STOCKTON - Children ran and played at the park while grownups mingled over barbecue plates Saturday in what has long been one of the city's most crime-infested neighborhoods.

Families for Peace, a community event organized by the Stockton Guardian Angels and HOPE (Helping Other People to Expand), drew hundreds to Cabana Park for games, free food and a peaceful purpose. Event organizers and area residents agreed the goal was to build a sense of togetherness in the neighborhood's fight against crime.

"I would love for it to be more close-knit," said Demetria Blount, who attended the event with her sister and her sister's children, ages 5 through 12. "I would love to see it be more family oriented, more closeness, helping each other, being able to know each other and say hello every day."

Stockton Guardian Angels Chapter Leader Sean Rodgers shares that vision. Rodgers said his organization plans to put up two playground sets at the park next month and will continue to organize neighborhood activities, adding that all are welcome to participate.

"This community outreach today is to let people know that we care about them here in this community, and that we want to create activities for the children," Rodgers said. "This is for everyone. This is their community. We just got the food together and got them all to come out. Maybe some of them will say, 'Hey, I'm having problems in my neighborhood,' and they want to help. Or maybe some of them are willing to help with activities for the kids. We just need support."

HOPE co-founder Glenn Jose expressed similar sentiments.

"We're trying to bring the kids together and decrease the crime here," Jose said. "We're trying to get the community together and do something positive for the kids."

The Guardian Angels have been conducting weekly patrols in the Townehome neighborhood since August. Rodgers and Townehome residents said there has been a dramatic decrease in crime in recent months, saying the Guardian Angels' efforts have helped along with sweeps by the Stockton Police Department and the multiagency San Joaquin County gang task force.

"I've talked to some people here today, and they're just so happy about what we're doing here for them," said Manuel Flores, a HOPE volunteer. "They say crime has dropped so dramatically."

Blount said she has lived in the neighborhood for about a year and a half. She said Saturday's event was another sign that conditions are changing.

"I've met a couple people here today and we've been speaking to each other," she said. "It seems like we're getting closer. It's not going to happen overnight, but it's a beginning."